Cannon are being cast which, it is expected, will render the sorties far more effective.

On the other hand, the question has not yet been solved whether the Parisians will really support the hardships of a siege when they commence, and whether there will not be internal dissensions.

At present the greatest confidence is felt in ultimate success.

The Parisians cannot realise to themselves the possibility of their city being taken; they are still, in their own estimation, the representative men of "la grande nation," and they still cite the saying of Frederick the Great that, were he King of France, not a sword should be drawn without his permission, as though this were a dictum that a sage had uttered yesterday.

They feed every day on the vaunts and falsehoods which their newspapers offer them, and they digest them without a qualm.